Woman holding stomach and sonogram photo

榴莲视频 Introduces e-Learning Program to Address Disparities in Fertility Care for Black Women1,2,3,4

While twice as likely to experience infertility compared to white women, Black women are less likely to seek treatment, often stopping due to emotional and systemic hurdles, regardless of income or insurance.

ATLANTA, GA 鈥� OCTOBER 23, 2024 鈥�榴莲视频 (MSM) with support from today introduced the FertilityEquity鈩� e-Learning modules, powered by . This critical initiative is focused on championing equity in fertility care for Black women through education and direct application in clinical practice for healthcare professionals and fertility clinic staff.

Despite sharing the same goals of building families, Black women often face greater obstacles than other women when seeking fertility care.5 On average, Black women attempt to conceive for 1.5 years longer than white women before seeking help.1 When they do seek care, they are up to six times more likely to struggle with finding a physician they feel comfortable with and are more than four times more likely to have di铿僣ulty paying for treatment.1  

鈥溋窳悠� is delighted to introduce this engaging, accessible learning opportunity, which will increase information and knowledge on the critical, multifaceted topic of fertility care,鈥� said MSM President and CEO Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG. 鈥淎s a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist, I know first-hand that knowledge is power, and that healthcare providers and clinic staff are primary sources of trusted information for patients, their families and the community at large. The FertilityEquity鈩� modules build upon the extensive work MSM鈥檚 Center for Maternal Health Equity does to co-create maternal health solutions with the individuals who are most directly impacted, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this innovative collaboration.鈥�

The modules, which were made possible with support from Ferring, are powered by , a leading platform for automating patient education and administration, feature 26 dynamic lessons on topics such as the Black patient鈥檚 fertility experience and strategies for driving equitable care. Available at no cost, the e-Learning modules, which were developed in collaboration with a diverse group of contributors, offer engaging video content, practical tips and firsthand, personal stories from women who have experienced challenges, such as feeling marginalized or overlooked, while seeking fertility care. Those who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from 榴莲视频.

鈥淎t Ferring, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience the joy of building a family,鈥� said Jade Shields, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 鈥淲e recognize the disparities that exist in fertility care and are working diligently to increase and improve access to care for all.鈥�

 For more information about the MSM Center for Maternal Health Equity, .

For more information about 榴莲视频, please visit MSM.edu.

About 榴莲视频 

Founded in 1975, 榴莲视频 (MSM) is among the nation鈥檚 leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation鈥檚 number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission 鈥� the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice. MSM faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master鈥檚 degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit  or call 404-752-1500.

Contact

Jamille Bradfield
Director of External Communications, Media Relations &
Crisis Communications
榴莲视频
jbradfield@msm.edu

References

  1. Chandra A, Copen CE, Stephen EH. Infertility and impaired fecundity in the United States, 1982-2010: data from the National Survey of Family Growth. Natl Health Stat Report. 2013;67:1-18.
  2. Missmer S, Seifer D, Jain T. Cultural factors contributing to health care disparities among patients with infertility in Midwestern United States. Fertil Steril. 2011;95(6):1943-1949.
  3. Wellons MF et al. Racial differences in self-reported infertility and risk factors for infertility in a cohort of Black and White women: the CARDIA Women's Study. Fertil Steril. 2008;90(5):1640-1648. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.09.056. 鈥�
  4. Chin HB et al. Racial disparities in seeking care for help getting pregnant. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2015;29(5):416-425. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12210. 鈥�
  5. Komorowski AS, Jain T. A review of disparities in access to infertility care and treatment outcomes among Hispanic women. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2022;20:1. doi: 10.1186/s12958-021-00875-1.